SW Maps

The best mobile app that we’ve found is the powerful, free, and easy-to-use SW Maps by Softwel. It is compatible with Android and iOS, either phone or tablet with Bluetooth. What makes SW Maps truly powerful is its built-in NTRIP client. This is a fancy way of saying that we’ll be showing you how to get RTCM correction data over the cellular network.

tip

Make sure the FPM is switched on and operating in Rover mode. Also, make sure that Bluetooth is enabled in the settings of your mobile device.

After opening SWMaps, open or continue a project if desired. SWMaps will show your approximate location based on your device's integrated GNSS receiver.

SWMaps initial location

Connect a Device

Press the surveying icon at the top of the screen to open the Bluetooth GNSS Connection menu. Click on the Scan button and the FPM should appear.

Scan for Bluetooth devices

Select the FPM device

Set the instrument model

Select the FPM; then, click on the drop-down menu for Instrument Model and select SparkFun RTK.

Select SparkFun RTK

Depending on your use case, the instrument height can also be configured. Otherwise, click on the Connect button.

Connect to the FPM

Connection status

Close the menu and your RTK location will be displayed on the map.

Solution: 3D Fix (Red)

Solution: DGPS (Blue)

Solution: PPP (Orange)

NTRIP Client

Press the cloud icon at the top of the screen to open the NTRIP Client menu. Then, enter the connection details and credentials for your NTRIP caster.

Click the (+) plus icon to add a new NTRIP client

Click on the Get button to retreive list

Click on the Save button to save the configuration

To retreive a list of mount points from the NTRIP caster, click on the Get button after the credentials have been entered. Then, save the configuration by clicking on the Save button.

note

Depending on the NTRIP caster, users may need to enable the GGA messages to be sent to the caster. In our experience, these messages are required to be sent ~10-20 seconds.

iOS SWMaps NTRIP Client

Click on the Connect button

Connected to the NTRIP caster

Once the configuration is saved, the NTRIP client should be listed in the menu. Click the Connect button to connect to the NTRIP caster. The mount point information will be displayed below along with the data transfer. SWMaps will now transfer the NTRIP correction data from the caster and push it to your FPM over Bluetooth BLE.

Connected to the NTRIP caster

In the main screen, the indicators at the top should have all turned green, indicating that the FPM is paired, the NTRIP client is receiving data, and that the FPM has an RTK fix. For more details about the location status, users can click on the satellite icon.

Emulated Device

SW Maps can also emulate the FPM's position, to be utilized in another GIS app. Simple open the iOS Bluetooth Settings and connect to the other FPM listed.

Paired to emulated device

This second, emulated device can now be utilized and connected to in the other GIS app.